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From 1 to 1 billion: Numbers behind 2012's top stories

From 1 percent to 1 billion YouTube hits, cycle through this slideshow to see the numbers behind some of 2012's top stories.

2 casesThe U.S. Supreme Court announced in December that it would enter the national debate over same-sex marriage by agreeing to take on two cases. One case, from California, could establish or reject a constitutional right to marry; the second case, from New York, challenges a federal law that requires the federal government to deny benefits to same-sex couples.

Just a few secondsFor some, it only lasted a few seconds. But when they observed space shuttle Endeavour fly overhead, those mere seconds represented something bigger: an end of era, pride, patriotism and scientific progress that took Americans to the moon. As the space shuttle made its retirement flyover across California, thousands of people gathered on city streets, bridges and other viewing spots to say farewell to Endeavour.

48 years oldIconic pop singer Whitney Houston was found dead at the age of 48. According to her official website, Houston, who struggled with addiction problems over the years, sold more than 170 million albums, singles and videos over her career.

22 Olympic medals

After a triumphant Olympics in 2008, Michael Phelps returned to the world stage this year in London, where he added to his medal collection. Phelps has earned 22 medals.

7 Tour de France titles strippedThe U.S. Anti-Doping Agency banned Lance Armstrong from cycling for life and stripped him of his seven Tour de France titles in his doping case. Armstrong decided to no longer pursue the allegations.

4-0 sweepThe San Francisco Giants defeated the Detroit Tigers 4-3 in 10 innings to complete a four-game sweep, winning their second World Series championship in three years.

7.43 million and then someToyota recalled 7.43 vehicles worldwide due to a power window issues that posed a fire risk. It would later issue another recall in 2011 for more than 2 million vehicles.

Royal 60th anniversaryQueen Elizabeth II marked her 60th anniversary of becoming Britain's Monarch. She's only the second monarch to do so.

Hurricane SandyThe numbers behind Hurricane Sandy are bleak and heart-wrenching: At least 100 were left dead, whole communities in New Jersey and New York were destroyed, tens of thousands were left homeless, billions of dollars in damages and the storm cut power to more than 8 million homes. Hurricane Sandy was a category-2 storm at its peak and may become the second-costliest Atlantic hurricane behind Hurricane Katrina.

12 shot dead, 58 injuredDuring a midnight showing of the highly anticipated third film in the Dark Knight series, a gunman opened fire and killed 12 people and injured 58. James Holmes is facing two sets of first-degree murder charges for each of the of 12 deaths. Holmes is also charged with 116 counts of attempted murder, as well as one count of illegal possession of explosives.

12/21/12That's a lot of 1s and 2s. It is also the end of the pre-Columbian Mayan calendar -- and, according to some, the end of the world. But for many, the date is a time for celebration. People are expected to celebrate throughout southern Mexico and Central America, ringing in the end of an era that spanned more than 5,000 years.

24 miles above EarthFelix Baumgartner set the world record for skydying when he jumped approximately 24 miles above Earth. He was also the first person without vehicular power to break the sound barrier during his descent.

Only 17Missy Franklin, a four-time Olympic gold medalist, made an impressive debut during the 2012 Summer Olympics at age 17. Franklin won five medals in all, and swept the women's backstroke events. She also holds the record in the 200-meter backstroke.

65,036,657/ 332President Barack Obama cruised to a second term when he garnered 65,036,657 votes nationally and won 332 electoral votes to defeat Republican challenger Mitt Romney.

47 percentA number that was heard time and time again in the presidential election was 47 percent. That number crept into the public view when a group released a video of Romney making the remarks about the 47 percent of Americans who do not pay federal income taxes. Romney later said his comments were not elegantly stated and called them completely wrong.

Nearly a 1,000,000,000 views"Gangnam Style" started as a single by South Korean musician PSY, and quickly became the most watched YouTube video behind Justin Bieber's single "Baby." As of Dec. 12, it had more than 936 million views and countless others dancing Gangnam Style. Will it reach 1,000,000,000 views before the year is out?

$656 million jackpotIn a Mega Millions drawing in March, three lucky people shared the game's largest payout of all time: $656 million.

5, as in iPhone 5The much-anticipated iPhone was released in September. Apple's latest version, its sixth generation iPhone, caused quite the hype upon its release.

The 99 and 1 percent"We are the 99 percent," continued to grow in 2012 as a political slogan widely used by participants and onlookers of the Occupy movement. The phrase refers to the concentration of income and wealth among the top earning 1 percent. Politicians have also used the term, and their own variation, in political debate.

104 medalsTeam USA swept into the Summer Games in London and came away with 104 medals.

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